The Poudre River Highway

Activities on the Poudre

Cache la Poudre Scenic Byway

The Cache la Poudre - North Park Scenic Byway (CO Highway 14) takes visitors from west of the Continental Divide into the beginning of the northern plains of Colorado near Fort Collins through Arapaho/Roosevelt National Forest. Scenic Byway map.

Cache la Poudre "The Poudre" River forms a historic route through the Rocky Mountains, used by native Americans and French fur trappers who gave the river it's name - "the powder's hiding place".

The Poudre is Colorado's only federally designated National Wild and Scenic River, and is a favorite of rafting companies and fishermen. Our Rafting page lists outfitters that operate on the Poudre River.

The Byway goes over Cameron Pass (10,276 ft) at a saddle between the Rawah Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park. There are several trailheads that access the northern end of the Park (see Region 3 trails).

The Cameron Pass area is a favorite for winter recreation, with cross country ski trails, and snowmobiling roads that are easily accessible.On the other side of the pass, North Park is a big valley full of wildlife (antelope, deer, and moose) - it used to be a favorite bison grazing ground.

Walden is a sleepy, small town at the West end of the Byway where you can visit the North Park Pioneer Museum. The Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge to the south is a haven for bird watchers.